Wanaka

Nestled beside Lake Wanaka and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Wanaka is a favourite with travellers who come to enjoy the beauty, peace and tranquillity of the Southern Lakes area. Wanaka is a lovely place to be at any time of the year with fresh white snow on the mountains in winter, a riot of blossom in spring and long, hot, summer days followed by the stunning golds and russets of autumn. Cruises visit the various arms, bays and islands around the southern end of the Lake Wanaka, and the long list of outdoor activities includes fishing, waterskiing, hiking, horse trekking, winery tours, golf and goldpanning. There is flighteeing and skydiving at Wanaka airport, or try your hand at kayaking, jetboating, canyoning, whitewater sledging and rafting on the region's swift-flowing rivers.

If you have the time then don’t miss the chance to explore the Matukituki Valley, weather permitting, the access point to the spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park and an hour’s drive west of Wanaka. The three to four hour Rob Roy track, is a photographer’s delight, with swing bridges to test your vertigo and jaw-dropping alpine views of the Rob Roy glacier and surrounding mountains. This region’s special features were recognised nationally in 1964 when Mount Aspiring National Park was created, and internationally in 1990, with the establishment of the Te Wähipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

A hub for a number of South Island touring routes, Wanaka can be easily accessed from Christchurch via the MacKenzie country, and is a perfect night stop for anyone visiting Mt Cook, or crossing over the main divide through Haast Pass to the rugged West Coast.

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